Is this a major problem with 260s? Can rear subframes really not be repaired if they are ba even if you had 1k to throw at it? For example?

Rear subframes can easily be repaired. I got my rusty one repaired and power coated for £350

I can guarantee this project will never, ever get completed.
Hopefully you will not lose too much money before you realise.
There are quite a number of differences between FWD and RWD V8 cars, that quite simply you will not be able to get the parts to complete, unless you fabricate almost all of the parts yourself.
The list is extensive, and I think you will have very little chance in getting full front and rear suspension including driveshafts, hubs, the different brakes, disks, pads, steering, front subframe, floor/Tunnel modifications.

This will be a frustrating money pit. Buy a real V8, and modify that with a charger/trickflow heads/whatever and save a tonne of pain.

Are you referring to trying to source zt 260 parts inorder to build it?

I know a guy who dropped a merc v8 into an classic mustang. He used the mercs front and rear subframes including all AMG running gear. So, surely a similar fabrication could be done from any doner car.

Yes.
What is your plan for all the front suspension?
You need different hubs, modified lower arms, shocks, springs, ARB links, all the rear suspension is very different, you would need to customise the lot, or procure three sets of arms, springs, shocks, arb links, hubs, bushes, shocks, discs, calipers, pads, hoses, clips, the list goes on.

If you plan to fabricate the lot, there won't really be any ZT left.
Might as well get a mustang/whatever, and drop a ZT bodyshell on top.

Not to mention the HVAC, different compressor, pipes, hoses, Blower assembly, ECUs, Hot water valve.
I am experiencing chest pains simply even thinking about the hassle involved. Then you have the Ford ECU, combined with the Rover Gateway ECU, and having to integrate the two or run some custom ECU and still integrate to the Rover Gateway... No idea how this could be done, maybe it can be though.

Things are different with an old old classic, maybe Mk1 Escort etc as things are so simple, but the ZT is in that awkward area where its old, but "new" in terms of being a classic, and has so much modern car manufacturer complexity.

I'd say next best thing might be a genuine V8 (there have been a few cheap ropey project cars going for sale recently) and shove a 5L engine and 6 speed box in, or modify the 4.6L. Lord knows, just doing the latter is enough work too!

I guess the originality is lost somewhat.

https://youtu.be/v3b9OhmNKyY

That is pretty cool tbh.

AMG ZT anyone? :devil: :D

Anything is possible with time and money...

I know a guy who works wonders with welding and fabrication.

Fabricating v8 subframes (and maybe even improving them) might be right up his street.

He's built a pug 309 GTi race car and a Honda turbo powered 205, custom Manifolds, strut braces and roll cages etc, he made me a fantastic quality custom exhaust for my mk2 ZS Diesel..


His name is Rich Ellis and his business is called Ellis fabrication and Performance.

Located in 5 Westway, Bank Top industrial estate, St Martins, Shropshire.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellis-fab...0048174624658/

Check out the photos on his facebook page. I'll be heading his way for an exhaust on my v8 at some point in the future.